Keep a Clean Machine Campaign

If you’re reading this blog online, you’re putting yourself at risk for ID theft and fraud. Hard to believe, but any time we use the Internet to read blog posts, scroll Facebook on our phones or read our daily news online, we put ourselves at risk of having our data stolen or mined.

You may not think you have data worth stealing, but if you have last names, birthdates, addresses or telephone numbers, you have info that data miners collect and store every day – information that might enable them to get a new credit card in your receptionist’s name or take out a loan under your clients’ name.

While your risky behavior might not put you at fault for fraud, there are definitely things you can do to help prevent data loss. Join K2 Tech and the partners at www.Staysafeonline.org who are working to empower a safer digital world for the Keep a Clean Machine Campaign.

To participate, simply follow the five steps below. Before you know it, these steps will be part of your daily routine.

Keep security software current: Having the latest security software, web browser and operating system is the best defense against viruses, malware and other online threats. Make sure your anti-virus/malware software is up to date with the latest definitions, and that your computer has all of the most recent patches for your operating system.

When in doubt, throw it out:Links in email, tweets, posts and online advertising are often how cybercriminals try to steal your personal information. Even if you know the source, if something looks suspicious, delete it. Many times, viruses or mal-ware are hiding in attachments to emails. Once you open that attachment, the virus or mal-ware is now on your computer.

Protect all devices that connect to the Internet: Along with computers and smartphones, gaming systems and other web-enabled devices also need protection from viruses and malware.

Plug & scan:USBs and other external devices can be infected by viruses and malware. Use your security software to scan them. Never use a USB Drive if you are unsure where it came from!

Back up your data: In the event that you do become infected with malware or a virus, you want to make sure you have a digital copy that you can restore from.

To learn more about cybersecurity for your business, get in touch with us today about a plan to reduce risk and keep your company’s data safe and secure online.